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Andrea Powell

Union County Sheriff’s Office was notified about neglected horses on a 40-acre farm in North Florida. When the officers arrived they were not expecting to see the horses in such horrible condition. They were heartbroken when they found two dead horses on the property.

The remaining 51 horses were in terrible shape with a dirt pasture. From the looks of the horses, they were starving for a long time. Many were emaciated and in need of immediate veterinary care. The officers called American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for help in removing the horses. Other local sheriff’s offices sent officers to the scene to help as well.

“From the moment we stepped foot on the property, it was evident that immediate intervention was needed for these animals,” states Tim Rickey, Vice President of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team. “Our goal is to provide these animals with much-needed care and seek suitable placement options with our network of equine rescues as we continue to help local law enforcement with the case. This is truly a collaborative effort between law enforcement and animal welfare groups coming together to send a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in the community.”

Evidence was collected and all the horses were removed from the property. The horses were transported to an “equine hospital where ASPCA forensic and equine veterinarians are conducting exams and providing daily care.” After they are treated, the horses will be placed with Florida-based equine rescues.